Spineblotch Scorpionfish

This is a small, well-camouflaged scorpionfish, mottled in reds, browns and cream with fleshy skin flaps and a dark blotch on the spiny dorsal fin. Its patchwork colouring lets it vanish against coral heads, rubble and encrusted rock. It is a warm-water reef dweller of the KwaZulu-Natal coast, tucked into crevices and among branching corals.

Like all scorpionfish it relies on stillness and camouflage, sitting motionless to ambush passing shrimps and small fish rather than fleeing. The dorsal, anal and pelvic spines carry venom that can deliver a painful sting, so never place a bare hand on reef rubble where one may be hiding. It is too small to be a spearing target and is best simply admired and avoided.